Palace on PhilHealth hike: They’ve done a lot

MANILA, Philippines—A Malacañang official on Saturday justified the increase in premiums of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), saying it is also for the benefit of its members.

“Dinagdagan po ng PhilHealth ang kanilang mga benefits  (PhilHealth has added benefits for members),” Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing.

Lacierda said he himself has benefited from Philhealth’s services when his son was hospitalized.

“Malaki na po ang nagagawang tulong ng PhilHealth and patuloy po nating gagawin iyan,” he said when asked if the recent issue on unauthorized bonuses of GOCC (government-owned and controlled corporations) did not justify an increase in member contributions.

The new premium rate will be doubled to P200 per month, a fee shared equally by the employee and the employer.

Philhealth topped the list of 31 GOCCs reported by the Commission on Audit to have given away unauthorized bonuses and allowances to its officers and employees. Of the P2.3 billion spent by the 31 corporations on bonuses and allowances, P1.65 billion was spent by PhilHealth.